Gov Fubara Insists Victor Oko Jumbo Remains Speaker of Rivers State Assembly, Says Martins Led Assembly Members is Gone

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Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has publicly reaffirmed his support for Victor Oko-Jumbo as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, despite ongoing political and legal controversies. This stance comes in the wake of a significant political crisis within the state, marked by factional disputes within the Assembly. Here's a detailed look at the situation:


- **Factional Leadership**: Victor Oko-Jumbo emerged as the Speaker for a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, supported by Governor Fubara. This faction came into prominence following a political crisis where 25 lawmakers defected from the PDP to the APC, leading to a declaration of their seats as vacant by the remaining loyalists, including Oko-Jumbo.


- **Legal and Political Battles**: The Court of Appeal ruled on issues related to the defection of these lawmakers, which did not directly address the validity of the lawmakers' actions post-defection but rather focused on procedural aspects of the legal challenges. Despite this, Governor Fubara has interpreted the situation in a manner that continues to recognize Oko-Jumbo as the legitimate Speaker.


- **Continuity of Governance**: Fubara's support for Oko-Jumbo is seen as a strategic move to ensure stability and continuity in governance. This includes the Assembly under Oko-Jumbo's leadership conducting sessions, screening, and confirming commissioner nominees, indicating that they are functioning as a legislative body with gubernatorial recognition.


- **Opposition and Challenges**: There exists an opposing faction led by Martin Amaewhule, which has also laid claim to the legitimate representation of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This group has taken steps like issuing ultimatums to the Governor regarding budget presentations, indicating ongoing power struggles.


- **Public and Political Reaction**: The situation has drawn reactions from various quarters, including calls from elder statesmen for a resolution through legal channels rather than further political maneuvers or threats like impeachment, which was hinted at by the opposing faction.


Governor Fubara's insistence on Oko-Jumbo's speakership can be viewed as an attempt to navigate through the complex political landscape of Rivers State, where legal interpretations of political actions, party defections, and governance continuity are at the forefront of the state's political discourse. This stance not only reflects Fubara's political strategy but also underscores the deep-seated factionalism within the Assembly, affecting the state's legislative functions.